Detroit Lions final mock draft (Day 1)

Day one of the 2014 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The Detroit Lions hold the 10th overall pick in the first and only round that will take place next Thursday.

This mock will be conducted without any trade considerations, although, I do believe that the possibility of the Lions moving up in the first round increases with each day that passes.

Clemson WR Sammy Watkins

If Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins is still available after the third pick, I believe Detroit will package two first-rounders along with at least one fourth rounder in a trade with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the fourth overall pick. (Atlanta Falcons traded a pair of first-round picks along with picks in the second and fourth rounds to move up 23 picks in the 2011 draft.)

The trade is pricey, but the eventual outcome of adding Watkins into the receiver group of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate is well worth the cost. If the Lions are truly “all-in” for this season, this is the move Detroit needs to make.

Without further ado, here is the Lions final mock draft:

Round 1, Pick 10

There are numerous players that could eventually become the 10th overall pick by the Lions. Some of the names included in this discussion are:

That’s ten different prospects and that list only includes the popular choices.

There’s a handful of players that have a legitimate case to be the right pick for the Lions, but the biggest uncertainty is figuring out who will be one of the nine players selected ahead of Detroit.

Here’s what I believe the board will look like when the Lions are officially on the clock:

Pick 1, Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Pick 2, St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Pick 3, Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Pick 4, Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Pick 5, Oakland Raiders: Johnny Maziel, QB, Texas A&M

Pick 6, Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Pick 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Pick 8, Minnesota Vikings: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Pick 9, Buffalo Bills: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Which brings us to Detroit.

In previous mocks I have had the Lions taking Dennard/Gilbert, Barr, and Evans with the 10th overall pick.

With Evans off the board, I believe Detroit has three top prospects to consider; Barr, Clinton-Dix, and Ebron.

Pick 10, Detroit Lions. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Barr is the missing piece to the Lions existing linebacking core of DeAndre Levy and Stephen Tulloch. Barr displayed explosive raw-talent in the two years that he played on the defensive side of the ball at UCLA.

His 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame gives him the leverage and strength to become an outstanding pass rusher in the NFL.

About Jordan Johnson

I graduated from Central Michigan University with Sport Management degree. Following sports is not only a hobby of mine but it has become a passion. In addition to Detroit's four professional sports teams, I also cover Michigan Football for isportsweb

Sorry Jordan but I have to disagree with the wisdom of giving up 2 first round picks and maybe a fourth rounder or two, even for Sammy Watkins. That’s too steep a price and the Lions still have substantial needs. They may be a playoff contender on paper as long as they don’t suffer any significant injuries. They don’t have the depth to withstand them. I’d go for Barr and take the best available WR in the second round.

Lano

I think the lions should trade down and pick up some extra picks and get Ebron or Kyle Fuller. They need all the extra help they can get in this deep draft.

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Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, I follow the NHL and other hockey leagues. I follow the Philadelphia Flyers as well as the St. Louis Blues. I go to American University in Washington DC. I major in International Studies and Russian Language, and I also play Division 3 Club ice hockey. Writing about current NHL topics since 2015.
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